Sudden sensorineural hearing loss associated with tension-type headache: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otologic emergency with potential links to various underlying conditions.
• Tension-type headache (TTH) is a common neurological disorder with a significant impact on quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between a history of tension-type headache (TTH) and the risk of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).
• To analyze this relationship using a large-scale, nationwide population-based dataset.

Main Methods:

• A case-controlled study was conducted using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance database.
• Participants with SSNHL (n=4,683) were compared to randomly selected controls (n=18,732).
• Conditional logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for TTH preceding SSNHL diagnosis.

Main Results:

• A history of TTH was reported in 4.5% of the SSNHL group versus 2.1% of the control group.
• After adjusting for covariates, patients with SSNHL showed a significantly higher likelihood of prior TTH (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.54-2.24; p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between prior tension-type headache and the occurrence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
• Both male and female patients diagnosed with SSNHL demonstrated a higher prevalence of preceding TTH compared to controls.